Newsletter, 11 December 2024

Hundreds baptised in the midst of conflict

If there’s one Archdeaconry that has suffered over the last 3 years it is Nyamitaba. This is one half of the huge territory of Masisi that has been on the frontline of the conflict between the government and the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels for the last 3 years. There have been times that the Archdeacon, Venerable Nzamwita, has had to take shelter in the other Archdeacon’s house in a safer part of the territory. And each of the 5 clergy in his archdeaconry has had to flee their homes at one point, and many believers have been forced to hide in the forest and wait for the all-clear.

There have been other times when Ven. Nzamwita has had to pay $80 to get to Goma instead of the usual $10. And this because the usual road which takes 2-hour by motorbike is blocked by rebels. And so, he needs to take a longer road and then cross the lake, paying danger money to motorbike drivers and a little something every time he comes across one of the ever-increasing number of road barriers.

But today he came to give us such an encouraging annual report.  In 2024 he has manged to finish building the archdeacon’s house (only the ceiling remaining). They have put the roof on one of the churches, in Ngendambuye, (with only 14 metals sheets remaining – which we gave them today for $116, below left). And in Musangati parish they have focused on sharing the good news of the Gospel which resulted in the baptism of 93 new believers not long ago. 

Below (centre and right) are some of the new believers in Musangati, where the church is so full that the services need to take place outside. We were able to agree to buy a 20x25m plot of land next to the existing church for $1000 where the believers will now enlarge the current church building. Over 60 more baptisms are planned in the Archdeaconry on Christmas day.

Ordination and retirement

Another great encouragement was that on Sunday I had the joy of ordaining 5 clergy (top image). Among them Rev Mukulu who leads our theology college, Rev Innocent, our main travelling evangelist to Walikale, Rev Barnabas, the leader of our main parish in Walikale, and Rev Nkingi, the leader of one of our churches in the camps.

We are seeing a real transformation in the students who are trained in our theological colleges. They have a greater sense of call to ministry. They take godly character seriously. And they have increasing competence in theology and ministry. The cathedral was packed for the service and the music and dancing was wilder than usual! 

We also bade farewell to 5 clergy who had reached the retirement age of 65, including the one who announced in the service that ‘now I’ve reached the age of 70.’ Many older clergy are reluctant to retire and hang on and block the younger generation from stepping up. But in the Diocese of Goma the bishop is very strict (if he knows the correct age) and we were able to thank those 5 clergy with the equivalent of 50 metal roofing sheets. The idea being that they will use it to finish their house and take time to enjoy retirement. 

Chicken and rice for pastors at Christmas

Thank you to all those who have given generously for clergy and staff in the diocese to have something with which to celebrate over Christmas. We will distribute next week, and so it is still not too late to give if you feel nudged

Christmas Eve at Midnight on BBC1

Martin will be preaching at midnight communion on Christmas Eve from St Mary's Warwick. Scroll down on the BBC listings here

How can you pray?